The only team that can beat West Bromwich Albion in the Coca-Cola Championship this season is themselves, according to defender Carl Hoefkens.

While those at Deepdale on Tuesday night would certainly agree that the Baggies were their own worst enemy in losing to a hardworking but average Preston side, they certainly would not have been convinced of their side's invincibility.

Albion's vulnerability from set-pieces was again exposed by Preston for their two goals and only efforts on target.

Hoefkens insists that it is a weakness the side is refusing to dwell on. The 28-year-old defender said: "We have conceded a lot from set-pieces but that is the only way we have consistently conceded goals. I think it is highlighted too much.

"If you look at the teams around us like Watford and Stoke many of them have conceded more goals than us but all they practise is what they do without the ball.

"Yes, it is frustrating, we have to be more prepared and we are working on it but setpieces are all some of these teams have against us.

"Teams like Preston know that a set-piece is the only way they are going to score against us so they are extra fired up for every free-kick or corner.

"It is important that we do not get too concerned because then we will worry every time there is a set-piece. We do not want to be in that situation but we are working hard to get it right in training."

Despite Tuesday's blip, Albion remain top of the division on goal difference and Hoefkens is expecting a response tomorrow when Burnley visit The Hawthorns.

He added: "After most games we have lost this season we have normally bounced straight back and that is what we are after now. We cannot look at the past, we just have to keep moving forward. Obviously everyone wants to finish the division in first place but we are not looking at that yet.

"We just want to get as many points as we can and if we get more than everyone else that takes care of itself. As I said earlier, the only team that can beat us is us."

Kevin Phillips is likely to return for Albion tomorrow after recovering from a calf strain. Manager Tony Mowbray said: "I will leave it to him really, if he tells me he is okay then he will be in contention." n Scunthorpe have completed the loan signing of Sheffield United's former Albion striker Geoff Horsfield until the end of the season.